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Interesting Facts
- Historians believe Panama City gets its name from the fact that its prime location on the Gulf Coast offers a direct route from the US heartland to the Panama Canal. The area was founded by English settlers in the mid-18th century and grew to be an important center for shipping and international trade. Today, commerce and tourism are also economically vital to the city.
- All the leisure activities, shopping choices, nightlife and restaurants aside, Panama City is best known for its beaches. The white sand and sparkling waters are a draw to vacationers from around the globe. Residents and frequent guests proudly remind first-timers that the region is "home to the world's most beautiful beaches."
- Panama City Beach has won dozens upon dozens of national awards for its beaches. Indeed, the kudos have poured in from numerous media outlets, and Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach, a foremost expert on beaches, has selected Panama City Beach as the #1 beach in America.
- The consistently beautiful weather is also a selling point for tourists, local beachcombers and even retirees from the Northeast. Panama City glows with an average of 320 days of sunshine each year. Residents are fervent in their love of the city, basking in the temperate climate and natural beauty of their paradise home.
- Panama City's lively nightscape is populated by college kids on spring break, business travelers and natives. Two of the hottest clubs are Club La Vela and the Spinnaker Beach Club. La Vela features the South Beach-style Pussykat Lounge, the private MTV Tower, the booming Space and the teen-friendly Dark Room. Spinnaker, meanwhile, boasts live bands on the open-air deck, shaded bar areas and the famous Groove Room. No matter where you head, things are sure to fire up early and burn late.
- Millions of visitors each year come to Panama City Beach for surf and sun, festivities and fun. The beach is particularly popular with travelers from the bordering states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The beachside locale draws a variety of families, singles looking to party, and older vacationers.
- Fishing enthusiasts visiting Panama City Beach delight in what they pull from the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. Yes, the region is swarming with schools of fish, and competitive anglers yearn to cast their lines and hook the perfect catch at the city's annual sport fishing contest. For landlubbers who want to snag the big one, the city has three piers on the Gulf.
- In addition to its beautiful beaches and festive social scene, Panama City is also a great place to check out a variety of water and amusement parks. The parks are home to a variety of rides and coasters and are popular with the young and old. Be sure to bring plenty of spending money for snacks and souvenirs.
- Shipping and transportation are important industries in the region. Port Panama City operates in Bay County in the Florida Panhandle and serves as the northernmost port on the Gulf of Mexico. The port was opened in 1967 and imports and exports industrial materials, general cargo and cruise ship preparation.
- College students seeking to balance their studies with sun might find the career track they are looking for at Florida State University's Panama City Campus. FSU-Panama City offers junior and senior level undergraduate coursework in addition to graduate-level degree programs. The university currently offers more than 30 majors of study, including business, communication, engineering, nursing, psychology and social work.
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